Wednesday, June 27, 2018

The Edisto Island Open Land Trust continues to grow each
year with a rising tide of programs that benefit the community such as public
lectures and young naturalist training. Many members of the land trust are
local landowners that have already conserved private properties, but the
organization continues to add members and expand their reach. The sold out I
Love Edisto party and auction on June 23 is about fundraising efforts that
protect both tracts of land and historical structures. Another opportunity to
join in the fun and support conservation comes November 11 during the EIOLT
annual oyster roast.

EIOLT Director John Girault spoke from the stage to thank
the Town of Edisto Beach for their help in securing the Edisto Civic Center.
Edisto Mayor Jane Darby is just one of the longtime volunteers for the I Love
Edisto auction. “EIOLT works to protect Edisto Island so that future
generations can enjoy this beautiful place,” said Darby. “I enjoy working each
of their events because I know that I am contributing in some small way to
their preservation mission.” This same sentiment resonates with many of the regular EIOLT supporters.

Salt marsh Society MembersBrian and Aleta Riesberg

VIP's Kirby Tupper and Wendy Griffin

A birding trip to a local rookery in ColletonCounty, is the type of item that can only be found at this EIOLT event. A sculpture of an American Oystercatcher by a master
woodcarver on the auction drives home the message of habitat protection. A
handmade potting bench, shooting lessons, cordless yardwork equipment, and a
week’s stay at a mountain cottage are just a few more of the items that drove
the bidding up. A focus on the Hutchinson House project provided bidders a
chance to fund a safe viewing area. It’s exciting to think about how preserving
the past, and protecting precious natural resources, is uniting many voices to
join the chorus of conservation at the Edisto Island Open Land Trust.

To view the entire feature article in the newspaper click on Colletonian.

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Local business leaders and members of the Edisto Chamber of
Commerce gathered for their annual dinner meeting on Wednesday June 13, The
Edisto Civic Center meeting facility is a comfortable setting to enjoy light
refreshments during a cocktail hour, followed by recognition of town officials
and an invocation before supper. After a review of the past calendar year Executive
Director Lisa Harrell recognized The Edistonian as the 2018 Business of the
Year, citing three generations of ownership.

Jack DiLuna, Lisa Harrell and Geno Middleton

“The
Business of the Year nominees are chosen by the chamber board, and then the
chamber members are asked to cast ballots to determine the winner,” said
Harrell. Edistonian owner Jerome Kizer came to the stage to accept a plaque
from Harrell, but quickly recognized his mother in the audience with other
family members and employees. Whether one needs gasoline, groceries, beach
items or even home decorum the Edistonian remains a great place for one-stop
shopping on Edisto Island.

“Our Martha
Whetstone Service Award goes to the founders of the Edisto Island Youth
Recreation program, Geno Middleton and Jack DiLuna,” said Harrell. When these
two gentlemen came to the stage, they shared how island youth are having a
tough time finding facilities to play ball games and how grateful they are for
community support from local churches and the Edisto Chamber. The need to
provide safe community gatherings for active youth is only increasing, and the youth
recreation program is raising awareness for the future.

To view the entire feature article in the newspaper click on Colletonian.

To view past blog about the Edisto Chamber Business of the Year click on 2017 - 2016